looking at a 91 integra auto but the trans slips unless you go very light on the throttle, guy told me that it needs a torque converter but i don't know if i should believe him he also said that when it slips he puts it in park and then can take off again! has anyone ran into this or is he pulling my chain? full of fluid that was the obvious check, could it be the torque converter or is the trans most likely toast?

 

drain the fluid into a clean pan. if there is any bronze shimmer, the trans ls likely toast.
if the fluid looks blackish and smells burnt, it could be the torque convertor. however, a bad torque convertor is more likely to shutter.

but if the problem actually does go away if the vehicle is restarted, it's more likely not a mechanical issue, but maybe a problem with the tcm.
checking the tcm for codes would be a good start. if no codes, check the fluid.
could also be a shift solenoid issue.
does the trans actually slip? i mean with increased load, in any gear? or is it more like it's not hitting one specific gear?

 

it definately slips with more load put on it....how do i check for tcm codes? is there a connecter to jumper across and count the engine light flashes?

 

has the s3 light been flashing? if the s3 light hasn't been flashing, there probably won't be a code.
also, it sounds more like a mechanical fault as apposed to a control/electrical issue.
i would dump the fluid in a clean pan and inspect